Going on the pictures we have all seen of the R56, I personally prefer the original and that's why I decided to get a Park Lane on a 56-plate. I paid full price for my car, so that definately wasn't a decider in ordering it pre-R56!
I personally don't like the huge centre dial and also many of the features look very plastic, so would have to agree about the Halfords look! It seems that many of the changes have been affected due to cost cutting and I don't think this is the way forward as they are charging more money for the car! MINI will end up losing potential customers to the likes of Suzuki Swifts, which have already been mentioned in these forums which offer quality at a much cheaper price.
I must admit, I have not seen the car in the flesh yet, so hoping to go into the dealers as soon as they come in! It may end up growing on me.......
